Whether you’re a brand owner scaling wholesale operations or a first-time importer, navigating China sourcing for Amazon FBA requires clear processes and reliable logistics. We’ll walk you through our complete service offerings, realistic pricing, and proven workflows that get your products from Chinese suppliers to Amazon warehouses efficiently.
Our FBA Sourcing Services & Pricing
Product Sourcing & Supplier Vetting
We handle the entire supplier identification and qualification process, from initial market research through final vendor selection.
What’s Included:
- Supplier database searches across Alibaba, 1688, and direct factory networks
- MOQ negotiation and payment terms optimization
- Factory verification including license checks and export history review
- Sample coordination and quality benchmarking
- RFQ management with standardized comparison matrices
Pricing: 5-8% commission on FOB value for orders over $5,000, or flat fee structure for smaller batches starting at $800.
Quality Control & Inspection Services
Our AQL-based inspection protocols ensure your products meet Amazon’s receiving standards before they leave China.
Service Options:
- Pre-production inspections (materials, molds, setup verification)
- During production quality audits (process checks, interim testing)
- Final random inspections with DUPRO protocols
- Container loading supervision with photo documentation
Pricing: $280-450 per inspection day depending on product complexity and location. AQL sampling plans included.
FBA Prep & Labeling Services
Complete FBA compliance preparation handled at our prep centers in Shenzhen and Yiwu.
Standard Services:
- FNSKU label application and placement verification
- Polybagging with suffocation warnings where required
- Bubble wrap protection for fragile items
- Carton consolidation and pallet optimization
- Amazon carton labeling (SKU, quantity, box numbers)
Pricing Per Unit:
- FNSKU labeling: $0.15-0.25
- Polybagging: $0.20-0.35
- Bubble wrap: $0.30-0.50
- Carton prep and labeling: $2.50-4.00 per carton
Freight & Logistics Coordination
We manage your shipping from supplier to Amazon FBA using the most cost-effective route for your timeline and budget.
Shipping Options:
- Amazon Global Logistics (AGL): Direct integration, predictable pricing, 15-25 day transit
- SEND to Amazon: Simplified booking, good for smaller shipments under 500 units
- Traditional Forwarders: More flexible timing, better for FCL shipments, 20-35 day transit
Our Process: We quote all three options and recommend based on your shipment size, urgency, and destination warehouses.
Our 5-Step FBA Sourcing Process
Step 1: Supplier Identification & Screening (Days 1-7)
We start with your product specifications and target pricing to identify 8-12 potential suppliers. Our vetting includes business license verification, export history checks, and capacity assessments. You receive a qualified supplier shortlist with contact details and initial quotes.
Step 2: Sample Coordination & Evaluation (Days 8-21)
We coordinate sample requests from your top 3-5 suppliers, managing payment and shipping logistics. Samples arrive with detailed comparison sheets covering quality, packaging, and alignment with your specifications. We provide recommendations but final supplier selection remains yours.
Step 3: Production Oversight & Quality Control (Days 22-60)
Once you confirm your supplier and place the order, we implement quality monitoring throughout production. This includes pre-production material inspections, mid-production process checks, and final AQL inspections before shipment approval.
Step 4: FBA Prep & Compliance (Days 55-65)
Products arrive at our prep centers where we handle all FBA compliance requirements. Every unit receives proper FNSKU placement, protective packaging where needed, and accurate carton labeling. You receive photo proof before final packing.
Step 5: Shipping & Delivery Coordination (Days 66-90)
We coordinate with your chosen shipping method (AGL, SEND, or forwarder) and manage customs documentation. You receive tracking information and delivery appointment confirmations for each Amazon warehouse.
Shipping to Amazon FBA: Your Options Explained
Amazon Global Logistics (AGL)
AGL offers the most predictable experience with built-in Amazon integration and standardized processes.
Best For: Regular importers shipping 200+ units monthly who prioritize predictability over cost optimization.
Advantages:
- Direct integration with your Seller Central account
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Consistent 15-25 day transit times
- Automatic delivery appointment scheduling
Limitations:
- Higher per-unit costs compared to traditional forwarders
- Limited flexibility for unusual packaging requirements
- Fewer port options for pickup
SEND to Amazon Program
Amazon’s simplified shipping solution designed for smaller, less frequent shipments.
Best For: New sellers or those with irregular shipping patterns under 500 units per shipment.
Advantages:
- Simplified booking process through Seller Central
- Good pricing for smaller shipments
- Built-in compliance checks
Limitations:
- Limited to smaller shipment sizes
- Less control over transit timing
- Fewer customization options
Traditional Freight Forwarders
Third-party logistics providers offering maximum flexibility and often the best rates for larger shipments.
Best For: Experienced importers with FCL shipments or specific timing requirements.
Advantages:
- Most competitive pricing for large shipments
- Maximum flexibility for pickup and delivery timing
- Access to more ports and routing options
- Better support for oversized or unusual items
Considerations:
- Requires more coordination and communication
- Need to manage delivery appointments separately
- Quality varies significantly between providers
Decision Framework: We typically recommend AGL for consistent monthly shipments over 200 units, SEND for new sellers testing products under 500 units, and traditional forwarders for experienced sellers with shipments over 1,000 units or specific timing needs.
Quality Control & FBA Compliance
AQL Inspection Standards
We use Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) protocols to ensure consistent quality while managing inspection costs effectively.
Standard AQL Levels:
- Critical defects: 0% tolerance (safety, functionality failures)
- Major defects: 2.5% tolerance (appearance, minor functionality issues)
- Minor defects: 4.0% tolerance (cosmetic imperfections that don’t affect use)
Sampling Plans: We follow MIL-STD-105E sampling tables, typically inspecting 5-13% of your shipment depending on order size. Larger orders require proportionally smaller sample percentages.
FBA Labeling & Packaging Requirements
Amazon’s receiving requirements are strict, and non-compliance can result in costly receiving errors or inventory stranded at warehouses.
FNSKU Label Placement:
- Must be scannable without removing or manipulating packaging
- Cannot cover existing barcodes, warning labels, or product information
- Minimum 24-point font size, black text on white background
- Applied to individual units, not master cartons
Carton Requirements:
- Maximum 50 lbs per carton (25 lbs for media products)
- Six-sided boxes with intact manufacturer flaps
- Amazon shipping labels applied to largest side
- Contents must match shipment plan exactly
Common Compliance Issues:
- FNSKU labels applied over manufacturer barcodes (causes receiving delays)
- Insufficient protective packaging leading to damaged inventory
- Incorrect carton weights on shipping labels
- Mixed SKUs in single cartons when not authorized
Prep Service Quality Controls
Our prep centers photograph each step of the process, providing documentation for any Amazon receiving disputes.
Standard Documentation:
- Pre-prep product condition photos
- FNSKU label placement verification
- Carton contents and weight confirmation
- Final pallet configuration and labeling
Frequently Asked Questions
What sourcing agent fees should I expect to pay?
Typical sourcing agent commissions range from 5-10% of FOB value, with rates varying based on order size and complexity. For orders over $10,000, expect 5-7%. Smaller orders often command 8-10% or flat fee structures. Always clarify what’s included—some agents charge separately for inspections, samples, or local transportation.
Can suppliers ship directly to Amazon FBA warehouses?
Yes, but it requires careful coordination. The supplier needs your Amazon shipment labels, proper export documentation, and compliance with Amazon’s carrier requirements. Most suppliers prefer working through prep centers to avoid receiving rejections that could impact their Amazon relationships.
Which Chinese cities offer the best sourcing opportunities?
Yiwu excels for small goods, accessories, and home products with low MOQs. Shenzhen dominates electronics, gadgets, and tech accessories with strong innovation ecosystems. Guangzhou offers diverse manufacturing across categories with excellent port access. Your product category and MOQ requirements determine the optimal sourcing location.
How do I compare DDP vs FOB pricing from suppliers?
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) includes all costs to your door, while FOB (Free on Board) only covers production and local delivery to port. For accurate comparison, add shipping, customs, duties, and local delivery costs to FOB quotes. DDP simplifies logistics but often costs 15-25% more than managing shipping independently.
What’s the minimum order quantity for cost-effective FBA sourcing?
Most categories require 200-500 unit minimums for competitive pricing and reasonable per-unit logistics costs. Smaller orders face higher relative shipping and prep costs. Target at least 60-90 days of inventory to justify the fixed costs of international shipping and prep services.
How long does the complete sourcing and shipping process take?
Plan for 60-90 days from initial supplier contact to inventory available at Amazon warehouses. This includes supplier selection (1-2 weeks), sampling (2-3 weeks), production (3-6 weeks), prep and shipping (3-4 weeks). Rush orders can compress timelines but usually increase costs 20-40%.
Should I use Amazon Global Logistics or traditional forwarders?
AGL works best for consistent monthly shipments over 200 units where predictability matters more than cost optimization. Traditional forwarders often provide better rates for larger shipments (1,000+ units) and more flexibility for timing. SEND works well for new sellers testing products under 500 units.
What quality control inspections do I really need?
At minimum, conduct final random inspections before shipment using AQL standards. For new suppliers or complex products, add pre-production inspections to catch issues early. Budget $300-500 per inspection for most product categories. The cost of quality control is typically 5-10% of receiving damaged or non-compliant inventory.
Ready to Start Your FBA Sourcing Journey?
We handle the complete process from supplier identification through Amazon warehouse delivery, with transparent pricing and proven systems that minimize risk and delays. Our team manages supplier relationships, quality control, and logistics coordination so you can focus on growing your Amazon business.
Get a detailed quote for your specific products and quantities, or discuss your sourcing requirements directly with our team.
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Meta Title: FBA Sourcing from China 2025: Complete Services & Pricing Guide
Meta Description: Complete FBA sourcing services from China including supplier vetting, quality control, prep, and shipping. Transparent pricing and proven processes for Amazon sellers.
URL Slug: fba-sourcing-china-guide
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Internal Links to Add:
- Link to “China Sourcing Agent Fees: What Amazon Sellers Really Pay in 2025” using anchor “sourcing agent fees”
- Link to “AGL vs Forwarder vs SEND: The Right Path from China to FBA” using anchor “shipping options comparison”
- Link to “FBA Prep in China: Services, Line-Item Pricing, and Checklists” using anchor “FBA prep pricing”
External References:
- Amazon Global Logistics official page
- Amazon FBA packaging requirements documentation
- SEND to Amazon program guidelines
Last updated: January 2025